Easy Rider: Captain America Burns in Fire

The Captain America chopper on Easy Rider has become one of the most iconic images in the world of motorcycling.

But things took a turn for the worst on Monday, as one of two motorcycles certified by collector guru Dan Haggerty as an original Harley-Davidson custom has burned in a warehouse fire in Austin, Texas.

The blaze at the warehouse owned by Gordon Granger also destroyed other collectible motorcycles and 22 automobiles; all together, the damage is estimated at $1 million. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The other Captain America chopper is owned by John Parham of J&P Cycles. This model was also authenticated by Haggerty and the Easy Rider star who rode the machine in 1969, Peter Fonda. Perham’s motorcycle was allegedly used in the final crash scene in Easy Rider.

In the book "Legendary Motorcycles" by Basem Wasef, it is stated that two "Billy" bikes and one Captain America were stolen after the filming of the movie that sealed up the tumultuous 60s.

As for the machine that perished in the Austin fire, it’s still a mystery on what part of the film it was used in, although it was certified authentic by Haggerty.

The attached video shows local news coverage of the Austin Warehouse fire.

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